THE POETS CORNER.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 247, 17 October 1919, Page 5

THE POETS CORNER.

D'ANNTTHZIO IN ITCTME. Hk'taVXlVii PROPAGANDA. LONDON, October S. The comic opera situation in Fiume continues. D'Annunzio fights civil discontent by propaganda, of which he is a master. He amuses the people by hourly harangues in the market-place, -where military bands play. At night the town is ilhnniiiaied with electric photographs of d'Anminzio and other Italians notabilities. The most effective propaganda, however, is d'Anmmzio's bed-sittingroom at the Palace, draped with the Italian colours, where he receives his visitors like a regent, surrounded with guards and brilliant tapestries. The townspeople are compelled to contribute io the upkeep of the soldiers who enforce levies. D"Annunzio believes that a Serbian attack is imminent, and declares that scout squadrons are keeping him informedTbree of my brigades are posted in battle position's,* , he says, "and my artillery is ready to fire on the instant. Were I so disposed I could march upon Borne to-morrow at the head of 600,000 men." '"Why don ? t you?" an English correspondent asked. ''"I shall when T wish," replied the rebel, ""but perhaps I shall win Fhime ■without such trouble." The Jugoslavs who are massed at Bueari (near Fiume) wear favours inscribed, "Plume or death," which is the motto of d'Annunzio's followers. Their leaders say that only instructions from Belgrade prevent them from tossing the Italians into the sea, but the fact is that d'Annunzio's position is strong. The correspondent of the Times" at Rome reports that the city was thrown into excitement by a Stefani Agency telegram from London stating that Britain was about to express surprise to Italy that the illegal situation at Fiume continues, adding that this may cause Italy to lose her place in the Alliance. Ministerial newspapers declare thai message shows the urgent necessity for Italy to do something to end the dilemma.